Letters to the editor: 9/1

Taxpayer dollars support oppression in Israel

It is politically correct to acknowledge the historic injustices against blacks, Native Americans, women, migrant workers and others in the development of our nation. Much progress has been made and valuable lessons can be gleaned from reflection on those issues.

There is great need to apply those lessons to America's current policies and actions. Especially to our policies and actions supporting the oppression and dispossession of an entire Middle Eastern people, specifically in Israel-Palestine.

There, our tax dollars support the dispossession of the Palestinians, virtual ethnic cleansing that bears striking similarities to that perpetrated against the American Indians. Here, Indians were massacred at places like Wounded Knee and Sand Creek; there, Palestinians were massacred at places like Deir Yassin and Tantura.

Both victim groups reacted violently, the former being labeled 'savages,' the latter 'terrorists.' While too many of us doze through this debacle, the Palestinians are being gradually dispossessed of their property and compressed into smaller and smaller reservation-like ghettos as Israeli settlements metastasize on Palestinian land.

The U.S. cavalry protected American settlers from angry Native Americans; the so-called Israel Defense Forces protect Zionist settlers from angry native Palestinians. Sadly, we help fund those brutal forces with $3 billion per year in military aid to Israel.

Yes, even while we regret our own history of ethnic cleansing and racism, we support similar wrongs elsewhere. So have we really learned anything from those sad chapters of our early history?

Gregory DeSylva

Rhinebeck

Council candidate is honest, hardworking

As you know, the Democratic primary elections are just around the corner on Sept. 10. As I walk around the streets of the 3rd Ward and other areas, I haven't seen any change. Sidewalks are still a mess - a very bad tripping hazard, especially for our seniors and handicapped neighbors. There are filthy streets and unkempt properties.

I think it's time for a change, and I feel that a vote for Kenneth Stickle for 3rd Ward council seat will give us that change. I have known him for more than 38 years, and he is an honest, hardworking person. I know that he will listen and work hard to address our concerns about the community.

When Ken started cleaning up the creek, there was not one person who would go into the nasty water and help him clean at first. He took money out of his own pocket to pay for help. Then some of his friends who don't even live in the city came in to lend a helping hand.

He has given his time to work alongside Councilwoman Ann Perry at the beautiful park on College Hill, not asking for any help to supply fuel or repair his equipment which was constantly breaking down due to the high terrain. At this time the city is doing a magnificent job maintaining the park to give us a great place to enjoy.

Kenneth has been a lifelong resident of the city that he loves and we call Poughkeepsie. So please remember, if you want someone fighting on your side, vote Kenneth Stickle for 3rd Ward council seat when you go to the polls. I'm sure you will see a change in our community.

Albert Maxey

Poughkeepsie

Siebert a voice for equality in workplace

Recently we lost one of America's most tenacious fighters for equality in the workplace. Having had the vantage point of working behind the scenes with some of the titans of industry in New York City, I observed Muriel "Mickie" Siebert up close.

I watched as she worked very hard to be accepted into their inner circle and gain their respect. It was slow in coming.

More often than not, she was ignored or politely rebuffed. However, with the passing of the old guard and the rise of women in their workplace, Mickie's true stature became evident even to the most cynical.

I last saw Mickie a couple of years back in New York City at her favorite restaurant, La Mangeoire. It was a complete pleasure to find her as feisty and friendly as her pet Chihuahua, "Monster Girl." Mickie also had a bark and bite necessary to stake out and hold her ground with her male counterparts.

When we traveled together in Pfizer's corporate jet to the Business Council of New York State's annual meeting in Saratoga, it was clear to me that Mickie would hold her own. A few days from now the council will reconvene at Lake George where I hope Mickie will be saluted as a monster girl in all the best ways.

Donald G. Jacob

Poughkeepsie

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Letters to the editor: 9/1

Taxpayer dollars support oppression in IsraelIt is politically correct to acknowledge the historic injustices against blacks, Native Americans, women, migrant workers and others in the development of